The Force from Western Australia will play their Super 14 matches as the ME Bank Stadium from next year after the Town of Vincent approved a licence arrangement and AUD $2.4 million worth of upgrades.

Force fans should be happier with the new ground as many complained that the seats were too far away from the action at the Subiaco Oval which is an Oval and the new stadium has a rectangular pitch.

In an announcement released earlier the planned upgrades are listed for the six year agreement.

"The Town of Vincent is pleased to announce that it has approved the signing of a Deed of Licence with RugbyWA which will see Super 14 matches played at ME Bank Stadium (Perth Oval).

The go-ahead was also granted for RugbyWA to commence upgrade works to the Stadium to meet SANZAR requirements.

At the Council Meeting held last night, the Council unanimously voted to approve the 3+3 year Deed of Licence which will see RugbyWA call ME Bank Stadium home for the next six years.

Approval was also granted for $2.4 million in upgrades to commence at the Stadium, ensuring that the pitch and facilities will be ready for the Super 14 matches in 2010.

"This is a stellar outcome for both RugbyWA and the Town. It is the culmination of over two years' of planning to ensure that rugby union players and fans have a true home for their beloved code", said Mayor Nick Catania.

"RugbyWA has worked hard with the Town of Vincent to ensure this upgrade will result in the best possible venue for the Emirates Western Force and its supporters.

"The Stadium will meet the standards required by SANZAR, now it is up to our players and fans to make it our fortress," said Vern Reid, Chief Executive Officer RugbyWA.

The Emirates Western Force will play 6 games at ME Bank Stadium in 2010 - attracting more than 21,000 patrons for each fixture.

- installation and upgrade of the media boxes and new Television Match Official (TMO) seating

- upgrade of the playing surface sub-soil drainage

- demolition of the former Caretaker's Cottage on the Bulwer Street frontage of Loton Park and new landscape works.

As part of the upgrade, the Town of Vincent will provide approximately $250,000 towards the various works.

"We are delighted that RugbyWA will be moving to ME Bank Stadium. The Stadium is the ideal location for rugby in WA with its rectangular pitch and the ability for the fans to get up close to the action. "

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"Fans of Super Rugby will have a real home for their code and no doubt are looking forward to the first match in February," concluded Mayor Catania.

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The first match of the season will see former Force star Matt Giteau in action for his new team the Brumbies†against the Force.